Ex-UT QB embracing fresh start at Colorado

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Quarterback Connor Wood #5 of the Colorado Buffaloes delivers a pass against the Stanford Cardinals at Folsom Field on November 3, 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. The Cardinal defeated the Buffaloes 48-0.

Photo By Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Defensive end Josh Mauro #90 of the Stanford Cardinals drives quarterback Connor Wood #5 of the Colorado Buffaloes from the pocket at Folsom Field on November 3, 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. The Cardinal defeated the Buffaloes 48-0.

Photo By Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Linebacker Kevin Anderson #48 of the Stanford Cardinals forces a fumble by quarterback Connor Wood #5 of the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on Nov. 3, 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. The Cardinal defeated the Buffaloes 48-0.

Connor Wood figures he received a new lease on life when Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre was hired in December. It has given the junior quarterback an impetus to reboot his career and make the most of his opportunity.

The former four-star recruit from Houston Second Baptist High School was mired in a forgettable first year last season with the Buffaloes. His struggles mirrored those of his team, which limped home with a 1-11 record that was the worst in the 123-season history of the program.

“To me, it's about using that experience I got last year,” Wood said. “Those interceptions, those good plays and bad plays can be used to jump ahead to this new time and make a case for myself.”

Wood won the Buffs' starting job late in the season, but struggled with the opportunity. He made it through barely a quarter in his first start before he was pulled after throwing only six passes in a 38-3 loss to Washington. Colorado's struggles in that game underscored its offensive impotence that eventually cost second-year coach Jon Embree his job.

Four different quarterbacks saw action in 2012 as the Buffaloes sputtered, ranking 117th out of 120 FBS teams with a scoring average of 17.8 points per game. The defense ranked last nationally by allowing 46 points per game and was in the bottom six in the four major statistical categories.

Although he did not play in Colorado's season finale against Utah, Wood did see considerable action late in the season. His numbers weren't spectacular — he completed 21 of 42 passes for 265 yards with four interceptions and one touchdown.

“To me, it was disappointing, both from a team perspective and the fact that I don't believe that I've played to the abilities I know I can play,” Wood said. “But I can put a positive spin on it. You can't think about failure as anything but a learning experience.”

After starting his college career at Texas, Wood was involved in a ballyhooed positional battle to replace Colt McCoy in 2010.

But after earning a share of third string with Ash behind Gilbert and McCoy, Wood elected to transfer to Colorado to join Embree's program rather than sit on the bench in Austin.

“As a football player, you're confident in your own ability,” Wood said. “I believed that I could have gone to UT and could have played. I told the coaches I didn't agree with the decision on the depth chart when I was there, but I respected it because they were the coaches.”

Looking back, Wood said he has no regrets about his decision and doesn't hold any grudges against the UT coaches.

“It's a cliché to say, but you really can't live with regret,” Wood said. “Yeah, hindsight is 20-20, and there's a chance because of the way that the quarterback situation has worked out that I could have had another chance. But you can't think that way. I just think of the many positives of me being here.”

Wood will be involved in a six-way battle for the Buffs' quarterback position when spring practice begins March 7.

“Connor is a great young man and had a great high school career,” said MacIntyre, who led San Jose State to its first national ranking in 37 years last season. “I think his confidence level has bounced around a little. But this is a new start for all of the guys. And he's going to get a great shot like all of the quarterbacks.”

Wood is excited about the challenge of running MacIntyre's pistol-based offense, saying that it appears similar to the ground-heavy philosophy of former UT assistant coach Bryan Harsin.

But more than anything, the chance to begin anew is what is driving him with spring practice approaching.

“This is my fourth offense and basically my third different coaching staff since I've been in college football,” Wood said. “Their main impressions will be coming from spring football. It's good because I can take myself away from last season and concentrate because this is a new slate, a new time. It's exciting.”